Upon returning to classes, we discovered the school had a new "acting" director, as the old director left due to "health reasons." Since that time, we’ve had 2-3 meetings a week to try and “sort” it all out. I’ve spent more time lesson planning, as if I know what I’m doing, and contributing suggestions and solutions to the topics of the meetings (fully conducted in Spanish most of the time).
It’s also been busy at the spa, however I’ve mostly been going to do research, help out with promotions, and we’ve been exchanging treatments and knowledge of our techniques. I’ve also been a willing guinea pig for practicing wax techniques. I’m told this is the slow season with the boats in dry dock, but that it will pick up significantly next month. [Here is an old picture I took before the spa opened, I’ve yet to take some of the new outside and inside after the opening. More photos to come.]
I’ve also realized that I need to do some more traveling. Once I settle in with the new reign (ironically, Reyna (meaning Queen) is our new director), I hope to free up some more time to get back to learning Spanish and taking photos. I’m sad to report, my Spanish speaking has lacked improvement as my comprehension is still complete crap.
Roommates:
Ok, it’s been a while since I’ve had to deal with roommates, and it’s quite the adjustment. Despite all the subsequent complaints/issues, I do like my roommates.
I’ve resorted to hiding my own toilet paper (no one bothers to buy any, nor take the bathroom trash out, ugh!) and labeling my food, which sometimes means my food will still be there when I return home.
I'm struggling at communicating with Paula, the newest roommate, because, I'm told, Chileans are tough to understand. I feel pretty antisocial in my own home, it’s kind of sad. As previously mentioned, I need more time to more formally study Spanish, as I’m still having problems understanding, therefore I won’t speak for fear of not understanding replies.
Diana, the other roommie, is away, and Paula’s boyfriend will be in the house for about 2 weeks, and he’s from NJ, so hopefully I’ll be able to communicate to SOMEONE in my own house! LOL
My exercise now consists of a silent struggle with my 2 roommates trying to get to one of the 2 bikes before they get to them, and cycling to and from the spa (which is important as I often return home later at night, about 9pm, and we’re located where few cabs pass that time of night). [My transport]
So, a few random events/observations:
The big event of the year was the music concert at the malecón on September 7th. I didn’t know any of the bands, but I at least remember the name of one “Esto es Eso.” I only remember them because they were the only ones that were half-way decent and I wasn’t laughing at the whole way through as they actually sang, rather than lip-synced. Plus, the one dude, Max, is a friend of Diana’s and is from Cali. [see the stage below, the ONE time I forgot my camera, and had to resort to my phone-camera, hence no shots of the performers]
Apparently, Galápagos is not immune to Jehovah’s Witness and other Jesus soliciting volunteers (no offense, Joanie or anyone else who might be a Jesus solicitor), as I had two 7 year olds knock at my front door a couple weeks ago holding Jesus pamphlets. This was when my lack of understanding Spanish came in handy, I simply said, “no gracias” and sent them away.
I timed out the walk to Tortuga bay, and it came out to 60 min from the lagoon beach.
I had a client that turned out to be my first “creep” in my massage career. Although he wasn’t overtly asking for the proverbial “happy ending,” he sure was shifting around a lot, and was surprised when I told him our time was up.
Galápagos is funny, in order to find someone’s house, or tell a taxi driver where to drop you, you must know points of reference (Pampas Coloradas or Mechanica Gallardo) or live with/near long time island residents to find your way. I discovered street names do exist, however no one would know where they are (for example, I live just off of Barrington, however I just tell the cab drivers to take me to Jaime Yanez’ house, and that works).
Costs more for a jar of chunky peanut butter here than a (cheap local) bottle of vodka.
And finally, don’t expect a postcard anytime soon, unless I hit Postoffice Bay in Floreana…I found out that it is $1.60 postage!
